[Super Duper Fantastic] ISFP/INFP. 4w5. World Explorer. Super Hero. Rose-colored Glasses.

When it rains, it pours! That seems to be the consistent theme in my life this week. One bad thing leads to another. One good thing leads to another. I canceled one trip in order to have more time to deal with things, and it looks like I may be canceling more in the near future.

For now, I’m concerned with packing and getting ready for Burning Man. I made a tutu [on the left!] the other day with random materials purchased. It ended up costing less than $10 to make, which is about the price I found the cheapest tutu at the store for. Of course, making it also meant I could choose which colors to use. I also did some last minute bulk shopping today, so hopefully I’m prepared. Jessica and I drive up tomorrow with all our stuff to meet up with RV and his dad’s RV.

So exciting!

I have plenty of other news to share, but I want to wait till everything’s settled down before writing about it. I’m already probably jinxing it all by talking about it. Anyway, see you on the other side!

We all have our moments – some to build us up and others to tear us down. I felt like I was on a high just a week ago, planning trips across the country to visit friends after a spontaneous splurge [#AYCJ] and preparing for a week long adventure in Black Rock City. And then I was at an all-time low, wondering and worrying about an investment I’d made years ago. Money wasn’t the main concern because I had what I needed to make the proper payments. It was everything else – the stress of figuring out who to call, what the situation was, and where I’d gone wrong since taking care of the problem was not as easy as it should have been. It’s really a tale of two insurance companies, one that I will be working with in the future and the other that I would very much rather be done with.

It all started with a fire. Without the fire, I wouldn’t have come to the realization that I would even need to consider a different insurance agent. I was under the impression that the woman responsible for the policy was doing her job. For the past few years, we’ve had the same insurance agent on the property. We paid our bills through her, and this year was not anything different. My father called her up with a credit card number and went on vacation, assuming that she’d do her job and take care of the bill. I only found out a few days ago that the bill hadn’t been paid, we’d supposedly been sent cancellation notices [none of which were received], and therefore, were not covered by any policy. The bizarre part of all this was that in calling the agent to tell her about the fire for the first time, she recognized my father’s voice, asked what our policy number was, and then said she would get back to me. I ended up calling her again because having tried to file a claim online, I noticed that the policy was no longer active. She knew nothing about it and supposedly had to go investigate what the issue was. She claimed that we’d received payment notices, cancellation notices, and termination notices on varying dates from May through July. So why hadn’t she called us to ask what the deal was? Why hadn’t she checked in to see if we were choosing not to renew our policy with them? That’s lost commission there, isn’t it? Also if there was a cancellation notice, it would have been sent to the bank as well. There were no voiced concerns from the bank, as far as I know!

Over the course of the several years of business with her, we’ve asked for name changes and address changes. It took her a very long time to change the address, and she never changed the name or added a name to the policy. Any bills that would’ve been received at the house would have been addressed to my father, rather than to me. If I’d known about the bills and notices that were supposedly sent [or had the chance to register with the company online], payments would have been made, and none of this would have been as big of a headache. To make matters worse, she would keep diverting from the problem – putting me off, telling me to file a claim even though it probably wouldn’t even make a difference. It was a waste of my time.

Luckily, through all this, there have been a few positives:

First would be Advanced Construction, a random company I picked off Yelp. They were super kind and supportive, offering to take a look at the house on their break because I couldn’t really get to it from San Francisco. They gave me an estimate, described the damages to me, and gave me their expert opinion. I would’ve used their services had none of the insurance companies covered any of the costs. I wrote a review of them on Yelp: here.

Second would be the other insurance company involved. As part of a homeowners’ association, we are required to purchase a separate policy to cover everything else. And thankfully, the damages were outside of the house and fit into the description of what the other policy covered. In other words, *phew* – it was such good news when I spoke to the adjuster yesterday. I am in the process of getting another policy with them.

Third would be RV. While he couldn’t exactly solve the problem at hand, he was there with me while I was fuming about the insurance agent and the situation. He was there while I was crying out of frustration and annoyance. It wasn’t easy discussing the situation over the phone without wanting to break down into tears. I’m a little overemotional/sensitive like that. And also the other friends I’ve spouted off about the situation with. It helps to talk about it to figure out how best to go about it.

So yeah, I am done with them, at least through that particular agent. I have a one-star Yelp review ready, but I’m waiting until the repairs are done to post it. When I called the insurance company directly, everyone seemed open and willing to listen to the situation. There really wasn’t a solution that could be offered since the policy was no longer active. The adjuster that I finally ended up speaking to was very helpful though. He said that there was only one possibility at this point, and he said he’d be willing to help me get through it if I wanted to. It would involve investigating the error of the agent and would involve management level decisions on coverage. I told him that I’d let him know if the other insurance company wouldn’t cover the costs. I’m just happy to know that not everyone is as incompetent as the agent I had!

“If you plan on keeping him around, you’re lucky that he cooks,” my mother tells me the other evening.

She then gifts RV with a cookbook, so that he can experiment with the recipes and keep me well-fed. Hahaha. Yes, I am very lucky that he cooks. In fact, when there is cooking going on in the kitchen area, I stay out and let him do his thing. I’m only in the kitchen when I’m itching to bake. Itch to bake? Yes, it’s happened. Or maybe it’s just that wonderful smell that only comes from baking goodies that sparked my interest.

This big fat chewy chocolate chip cookie recipe actually didn’t turn out bad. In fact, it turned out way better than my first cookie made from scratch – a peanut butter cookie. As the sister will always remind me, the cookies from the very first batch were rather dry. It was like stuffing your face with a glob of chalk, if you could imagine that. Not pleasant. Someone could choke from inhaling the crumbs of that cookie. I made improvements subsequently. For the big fat chewy chocolate chip cookie, I used organic ingredients, fewer chocolate chips, and a little extra vanilla. I let the dough sit for quite a few hours, unlike another batch I’d made a few weeks before. More proof time was a good call, and the cookies turned out quite good. Still a little sweet for my tastes, but I’d follow a similar recipe again.

Since it appears that baked goods I mix up actually are edible, I might experiment more and bake others! I’m on my way to an edible cupcake, which is one of 101 in 1001. Stay tuned!

The flights are booked. It was not difficult at all. I did searches for my flights online and then called Jet Blue with my requests. I didn’t have to wait long each time, except for the most recent itinerary change. Must’ve gotten popular! Had a few changes to make, but cancellation was an easy process too. My accommodations have, for the most part, been figured out. Thanks to my friends who’ll be hosting over the course of the month. I can’t wait to see you guys!

Here’s the plan:
09/08-09/11 – AUSTIN
09/14-09/14 – ORLANDO [w/ #12hrs]
09/14-09/18 – BURLINGTON* [w/ #12hrs] / MONTREAL*
09/18-09/22 – WASHINGTON DC
09/22-09/25 – NEW YORK CITY
09/25-09/29 – CHICAGO* / MILWAUKEE*
09/29-10/02 – BUFFALO* / NIAGARA FALLS* / TORONTO*
10/04-10/07 – BOSTON*

* = never been! Suggestions on what not to miss at these destinations? I’d love to hear ‘em!

I’ve gotten mixed responses from people. Most are excited about this opportunity for me and have basically expressed that they’d go if they had the time. I’ve got the time, so I’m doing it. Then there are those who send me links to various online articles about whether or not this is really a deal. I’ve read ‘em all. It IS a deal for me. I get to visit the people I’ve been meaning to see, go to the places I’ve been wanting to go. Sticking to the domestic destinations still puts me way over the cost of the flights and the cost of making reservations over phone. Jet Blue has a separate department handling these All-You-Can-Jet passes. By the way, passes are all sold out!

Besides, this isn’t the first time I’ve heard of such a deal. Cathay Pacific has an All-Asia Pass during the summer months where you can jet around its Asian destinations for a set price. I’d do that if I didn’t think I would want to spend at least a few weeks in each location! I’m the girl who spent her entire 3-week vacation in one country rather than move across a handful in that time. I travel to experience and to absorb. Perhaps I am just a slow sponge…

And of course, my plan of action is not as crazy as others out there. There’s the guy who is traveling to 10 flights within 60 hours [Source: Time.Com]. He’ll go from airport to airport and only spend time touching the ground of Portland. I’m not sure that’s the best way to go about making use of the deal if you can’t even experience the cities you’re traveling to.

Then there’s Joe and Clark who went so far as to set up Twelve Hours in A City – 31 Days of Jet Travel, 12 Hours between Flights. They’re going all out with a site, sponsors, and swag. That’s a little more manageable, in my opinion. Since I have a few gaps [mainly 09/12-09/17], I might look into plan on meeting up with Joe and Clark for part of their travels!, depending on if the time matches up. There’s a bunch of others taking advantage of the deal – many of whom are tracking their whereabouts at WhereWeJet.

It’s a weird feeling. So out of control, uncertain of the future, while at the same time, having so much control over one’s life. When I wake up in the morning, I decide what I’m doing next. I have to remind myself now and again, so I don’t just sit at home and mope. It’s easy to feel disappointed and frustrated with the current situation. Every hour is my hour to spend. There are also financial constraints. The safety net won’t last forever, so I’m making the most of what I know will enhance my life.

The next month or two should be very exciting. While I wait on a surgery date and continue my job search, I plan on being quite mobile. Burning Man plans are underway. After that week, I have a month to fly all I can with Jet Blue’s All-You-Can-Jet pass. Destinations are not exactly convenient from San Francisco, but I can work around that. Unlimited flying in the States + fees/taxes for any international travel. I’ll have to renew my passport for this!

I have tentative plans to travel to:

- New York City: I haven’t seen S in awhile, so it will be great to catch up. I went from visiting NYC three times a year for three years to zero times in almost three years. Also, a meet-up with Joey is WAY overdue. I don’t even remember how long we’ve known each other now.

- Boston: This has been on my list FOREVER. It’s the easy weekend trip that I’ve managed to avoid all this time. Boston will be towards the end of my trip, so hopefully I’ll catch the changing leaves. I plan on visiting Grace who’s in med school out there!

- Austin: I’ve been there before for work-related training. I wouldn’t mind visiting again, perhaps seeing a bit more than the last time. I did explore after the week of training with Leslie, Philip, and others, so I don’t know what else I will find this time.

- Toronto + Niagara Falls: Another on my list, at least Niagara Falls is. First, I’ll check out the falls from stateside, and then I’ll hop over the border to get the better view. I’m hoping that Naly will be around to show me what’s up in Toronto too.

- DC: I’ve been before several times, but there are people [the aforementioned Leslie and Matt, a diplomat in training!] and museums [I don't even know where to begin with these. There are so many!] to see, and of course, photos to take…

There are some other destinations I have in mind, but they’re more speculative than anything at this point. The options are there; I just have to decide when the time comes [or three days in advance, according to Jet Blue policy]. I’m planning on staying with friends, in hostels, or even Couchsurfing to cut down the costs while maximizing the experience.

I can’t wait!

It’s a roller coaster. Bad news. Good news. Bad news. Back to the bad news, it seems. I was able to finally get a hold of a scheduler at the hospital. They know who I am – the annoying girl who keeps following up with her appointment? At least call me back to let me know my status! Apparently, there’s nothing available in the next month or two. That’s fine, but please just tell me. When I asked about when the next available appointment would be, so that I could start planning, she said probably November. There’s also one opening in October, which I wonder why she didn’t schedule me for. She would call me to let me know if anyone canceled in the rest of October.

This is beyond frustrating. I’m fine with a later appointment date, but I’d at least like to know. I don’t know what to do at this point.

Update to 101 in 1001:
020 – Document jaw surgery. Before and after.
021 – Schedule jaw surgery date.

The insurance matters finally figured themselves out, and the good news is that my surgery has been approved! Lower and upper jaw, as well as the day in the hospital for the surgery. Supposedly covered, as long as all goes as planned.

The reason it’s only partially good news is that I haven’t heard back from the hospital since. I called earlier in the week, and basically I was told to wait for a call from the scheduler. The scheduler hasn’t called, so here I sit and wait. I’m wondering if I will be able to schedule the surgery date for September or if it will have to run into October and possibly later…

An approval was more than I expected since the surgeon had warned about the insurance company pushing back as much as possible. I guess we provided enough information to prove that this is in fact medically necessary. I am so close!

An update on the 101 in 1001- #2 Go on a week long camping trip.

“RV” in the title of this entry does not refer to the boyfriend nor does it refer to the vehicle in which we traveled for the past week. “RV” in the title refers to the boyfriend’s father who happens to also have the same initials! Apparently, if I can get through a trip with RV, I’m certain I can get through most anything with the boy.

Being woken up at the crack of dawn on a few hours of sleep by a whistle similar to the one he used to call his cat, then ordered around to do this and that, I was already in tears on day one of the trip. All actions taken by the boy or I would require approval by the Board. We were not allowed to hold onto the keys without a thorough explanation because he wanted to know what we were up to or thought we would lose them. Thankfully, we were able to get away from the campsite to do our own thing. Otherwise, I might have called it quits early on.

I jokingly told the boyfriend that he owed me big time for tricking me into coming along for the ride. The boyfriend said to me, “Now you know what I dealt with growing up with the guy.” The man is a character, and it’s no surprise that his sons are creating an animated parody about the man, exaggerating his many quirks. He likes to travel with his entire house, which is why he has an RV. That thing has everything, and he keeps trying to add more.

In summary, despite the initial frustration and upsets, I had a good time. Once we had the DirecTV [Yes, there was satellite television in the RV!] hooked up for RV, he was out of our hair for the rest of the trip because he was busy following the Yankees. I’m still not sure if this counts as camping for a week, but I did stay in an RV for the week at a campground. How and when in the world did an RV/RV campsite get all fancy on us?!